During CPR, how often should rescuers switch who provides chest compressions?

During CPR, how often should rescuers switch who provides chest compressions?

• A. Every 30 seconds
• B. About every 2 minutes
• C. Only when EMS arrives
• D. After 5 minutes

Answer: (B)

Switching about every two minutes helps keep chest compressions effective. Fatigue quickly reduces how deep and forcefully you compress, and quality compressions are what drive blood flow during CPR. When two rescuers are involved, handing off every roughly two minutes ensures a fresh operator is delivering compressions for a substantial, continuous period without letting fatigue degrade performance. This interval also aligns with the typical CPR cycle speed—about 100–120 compressions per minute—so you end up rotating after roughly five cycles. Waiting longer, such as after five minutes, or only switching when EMS arrives, risks worsening compression quality; switching every 30 seconds would disrupt rhythm and efficiency.

Switching about every two minutes helps keep chest compressions effective. Fatigue quickly reduces how deep and forcefully you compress, and quality compressions are what drive blood flow during CPR. When two rescuers are involved, handing off every roughly two minutes ensures a fresh operator is delivering compressions for a substantial, continuous period without letting fatigue degrade performance. This interval also aligns with the typical CPR cycle speed—about 100–120 compressions per minute—so you end up rotating after roughly five cycles. Waiting longer, such as after five minutes, or only switching when EMS arrives, risks worsening compression quality; switching every 30 seconds would disrupt rhythm and efficiency.